Factors Determining Sources of Cooking Energy among Rural Women in Ondo State, Nigeria.

Gabriel Owagbemi, Adekunle Ajasin University

This study focuses on factors determining sources of cooking energy, among the rural women in Ondo State, Nigeria. Rational Choice Theory was employ to explain the choice of cooking energy among the rural women. Ten (10) focus group discussions consisting of 8–10 participants was conducted. Data collected were analyzed using content analysis. Participants reported high cost and non-availability of kerosene and gas and epileptic power supply as reasons for firewood cooking. The challenges associated with the means of cooking range from gas and kerosene explosion as a result of adulteration. They suggested that alternative sources of cooking should be made available at affordable prices. The paper concludes that, the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) should make kerosene and gas available and affordable in the rural areas; sensitize rural women on the effects of firewood cooking on their health and the danger of deforestation.